Contact Us
University of California Cooperative Extension Ventura County
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805.645.1451
Fax: 805.645.1474
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The office will be closed for the following holidays:
December 24-25 - Christmas Holiday
December 31 - January 1 - New Year Holiday
January 20 - MLK Day
Termites
Termite swarms have been sighted. There are several species of termites on the Central Coast. However, only two are of major concern. The drywood termite can live in small colonies anywhere in a wooden structure. Drywood termites do not need to have contact with moisture in order to thrive. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, need moisture in order to survive. Therefore, their colonies usually are found in flooring, base boards, in and around the bathroom, kitchen sink, or water heater where small leaks, condensation, or contact with soil supplies enough moisture to maintain the colony.
Drywood termites are often first noted by the fact that they produce fecal pellets that look like grains of sand. These pellets are expelled from the colony and will collect on any surface (floors, furniture, beds, etc.) under the colony. Subterranean termite activity is often first noted when mud galleries or tubes appear on the surface of concrete or stone foundations, or on wooden beams, or floor boards. These tubes usually connect the colony from the soil to the wood source they are using for food. Termite infestations can be treated by a few products available at hardware and garden stores. However, if you are unsure of your ability to detect, identify, and/or treat a termite infestation, it is best to contact a qualified pest exterminator.